Meaning of oratorioAn oratorio is a large musical composition for orchestra, choir and soloists that tells a religious story. It differs from an opera in several ways:
- It is not acted out on stage with costumes and sets. Oratorio is more contemplative and meant for concert performance.
- The focus is on the music and the choral writing, rather than on solo arias like in opera.
- The themes are often biblical, Christian stories from the Old and New Testament.
Oratorios developed in the late 16th century in Catholic churches in Rome. The music was performed during spiritual exercises in oratories (places of prayer) by an oratory group called the Congregazione dell'Oratorio.
Over time, oratorios evolved into large-scale works for chorus and orchestra, telling biblical stories through music. The most famous oratorios were composed by Handel in the Baroque era, like **Messiah** and **Israel in Egypt**.
Large scale dramatic composition originating in the 17th century with text ususally based on religious subjects. Oratorios are performed by choruses and solo voices with an instrumental accompaniment, and are similar to operas but without costumes, scenery and actions.
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